The champion mare, Black Caviar will attempt to break an Australian record by winning her 20th race today. She is undefeated and the race is part of a careful build-up to the Royal Ascot meet, in England in June. The race is in Adelaide and today's meet is the first to sell out in years.

The racing community is in shock at the death yesterday of last year's Cox Plate winner, Pinker Pinker. The four year old mare suffered anaphylactic shock yesterday at her trainer's compound on Melbourne's outskirts as she was receiving routine treatment before being transferred to a float to travel to Sydney. Investigations are underway in what caused the death of the champion mare.

A Lateline investigation has revealed alleged breaches of the rules used to restrict whipping in horse-racing. Jockeys and the industry deny there are systemic faults which allow cruelty on a widespread basis. The RSPCA and a prominent Vet Scientist say a special slow motion camera has highlighted jockeys flouting the rules on plenty of occasions.

Stable rep Trevor Luke talks to Grandstand about the Peter McKay-trained horse Travino - the first overseas entrant to the Magic Millions - which could pave the way for more runners arriving from New Zealand.

A property south of Townsville has been quarantined in the latest outbreak of Hendra Virus. One horse is dead and four people are being tested. But authorities believe their exposure has been minimal thanks to the quick thinking of the treating vet.